"And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15

These past couple of weeks have been devastating for the church. We've seen two impactful pastors step down due to hidden sin. What now?
I fear that in our digital culture, the church has twisted the calling of the Gospel into a celebrity performance. Yet, I have no doubt God's people have sadly faced this tragedy since the Garden of Eden.
We want the glory. Our flesh craves it. We long to be seen and admired by others, even at the expense of hiding our sins. I think we've all been there- hidden sin. But that shouldn't justify the evil behavior. Yes, none are righteous, but God calls us to walk worthy of the calling He's set before us. And that starts with our responses to these pastors falling.
I believe there is righteous anger and that frustration is an expected emotion during this time; however, God warns us not to sin in our anger (gossip, slander, sowing discord among the brothers, etc.).
God does hate a false witness, but He equally despises one who sows discord among the body. Need we remind ourselves that church leaders carry a heavy responsibility and I have no doubt that spiritual warfare is a constant struggle. Rather than respond with rolling eyes, frustration, and judgment, let's focus on the lesson we can learn from these instances: Praying for our church leaders.
Hearing these two situations has really convicted me that I don't pray enough for my pastor and those who work/serve in the ministry. Again, they face heavy warfare and I have no doubt Satan is tempting them with every desire he can throw at them. Paul says, when one member of the body suffers we all suffer, and many people are suffering right now.
We need to mourn for the fallen, encourage the hopeless, and pray for those in leadership. They need prayer just as much as we do and I think sometimes we forget that they are human as much as we are (but that doesn't give them an excuse to sin.)
Here are 5 prayers we can pray for our church leaders:
1. Pray that they be strengthened in the Holy Spirit.
"That according to the riches of His glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth."
Ephesians 3:16-18
Holy Spirit can do way more in two minutes than we can in 10. Being strengthened by the Holy Spirit is the way church leaders can resist the devil and lean on God for fulfillment. We need to pray that they keep growing and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and mold them, not themselves.
2. Pray that they see the sin in their lives.
"Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye,
but don't notice the log that is in your eye?."
Matthew 7:3
How can we sit and judge them when we haven't prayed for them to repent yet? Do we pray for their hearts/that their beliefs align with God's word/that they humble themselves and admit their sin/that they are vulnerable and authentic/that they don't swerve off the path of righteousness/etc.?
There are so many ways (and Scriptures) you can pray over your pastor to help fight their temptations!
3. Pray that they survive and endure oppression and persecution, and endure till the end.
"As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."
James 5:10-13
Jesus touches on this with the Parable of the Sower. Some receive God's word with joy, but only endure for a little while due to tribulation and persecution and stray away. Some receive the word but get distracted by the cares of the world, which proves them unfruitful...
Again, we don't know the spiritual warfare these ministers are facing, but there is a power much greater than the one they are facing. We need to speak over them the promises of God about remaining steadfast.
4. Pray the Armor of God over them.
"For we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:12-13
Belt of Truth - Pray that they know truth, discern the will of God, test the spirits, and seek wisdom and understanding.
Breastplate of righteousness - Pray that they serve you with a heart after yours (like David's).
Shoes of Peace - Pray that they will walk in peace and always be ready to preach the Gospel to whoever God leads them to.
Shield of Faith - Pray that they always use their shield of faith to combat the schemes of the devil. AND that they depend on others' faith when they are discouraged and aren't afraid to reach out to their church community for help and encouragement.
Helmet of Salvation - Pray that they know they are in the body of Christ, were bought with a price, and live to please God.
Sword of the Spirit - Pray that they use the word of God to fight against the enemy and not their flesh.
Praying at all times - Pray that they pray intentionally about the things they're struggling with and go to you in every time of need.
5. Pray that they would grow in understanding and knowledge of God's Word.
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;"
Proverbs 2:6-7
There is always something new to learn about God! They need to have a heart for God's Word. This is the only way we will understand the fear of the Lord and grow in sanctification.
Hope you enjoyed it! Let me know your thoughts about this topic 👇
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